Meet Ian Lariba, RP flagbearer and Rio Olympics table tennis paddler

This appears on philstar.com

Meet Ian Lariba, RP flagbearer and Rio Olympics table tennis paddler 

by rick olivares

Ian Lariba is a first-time Olympian who will be representing the Philippines for the first time in Olympic table tennis competition. More than that, the 23-year old lass from Cagayan De Oro will be the nation’s flag bearer during the Parade of Nation during the 2016 Rio Olympics’ Opening Ceremony at the Maracaña Stadium in Rio De Janeiro on the evening of August 5.

Who is Ian Lariba? And how did she arrive at this great honor?

"I was going into Grade 3 back in (Corpus Christi School) Cagayan De Oro and my parents wanted me to do something productive during the summer,” related Lariba. "They wanted me to get into sports. One time, we all went together to the nearby sports complex. For a while, I tried out badminton but for some reason, I had a hard time at it. It didn’t help that there were a lot of people playing badminton so getting time on the court was difficult. There was an area for table tennis and wala masyado naglalaro. The table was so small yet the action was intense. I found myself getting very interested in it so I gave it a try. It wasn’t easy but I found myself enjoying it very much. I was hooked and I’ve never stopped playing since." 

For Ian’s college years, she moved to Manila where she enrolled at De La Salle University taking up Financial Management. “Yes, a course for nerds,” she laughed. “I don’t know why I like tough things like table tennis and my course. I guess, I like a good challenge and the sense of fulfillment is different.”

If it was fitness that Ian’s parents were looking for, they got it in table tennis. “It's a fast-paced sport that not only requires quick reflexes but also quick thinking and great fitness,” described Lariba of her sport. “You need to constantly practice because muscle memory is also important." 

“I think the sport taught me a lot about discipline,” added Lariba. “Technique is important and one that you practice constantly. It isn’t an easy sport to master and it can get frustrating. That is where the discipline comes aside from your coaches and mentors providing you with more training and insights into your game.”

That kind of dogged determination to succeed was never more evident during her qualification for the Olympics. With one slot left to the women’s singles competition for Rio, Ian outplayed her opponent from Qatar then set up a return bout with Iran’s Majobeh Omrani who defeated the Filipina in a previous tournament. “A loss can weigh heavy on your mind. I have to really condition my mind that this is a new match and that we’re back to scratch. Lariba won the first three games before Omrani rallied to win the next two. In the sixth game of their match, Lariba, eked out an 11-8 win to advance to meet Indonesia’s Lilis Inoriani.

The Indonesian was listed at No. 296 in the world while the Filipina was 28 notched behind at No. 324. Lariba promptly swept her foe in the best-of-nine match to book that last slot. 

“That was such an incredible feeling,” said Lariba of that win. “I was so nervous. But with every won game against Lilis, I felt more and more confident.”

And now, Ian Lariba is headed for the Olympics.

“It’s the Olympics and it is the most prestigious event an athlete can aspire for,” gushed Lariba last Tuesday during the athlete briefing for Rio at the Philippine Olympic Committee offices at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City. “It’s a mix of excitement and kaba that I am feeling. Whatever happens I will give everything that I’ve got and pakita ko lang best game ko. I intend to play with no regrets.”

Although her playing years in the UAAP with La Salle are done, Lariba has one term left to finish before she graduates. “I’ll go to the Olympics and compete, then finish out my term, and let’s see what’s next.”

“Right now, I will enjoy this incredible experience that is the Olympics."

Behind the scenes: Choosing Ian Lariba as RP flag bearer to the 2016 Rio Olympics

This appears on abs-cbnnews.com

Behind the scenes: Choosing Ian Lariba as RP flag bearer to the 2016 Rio Olympics

by rick olivares

Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose “Peping” Cojuangco looked at his options. POC First Vice President Jose “Joey” Romasanta presented the choices.

The task was to name the flag bearer for the Philippine delegation during the traditional parade of athletes that will be held in the evening of August 5 at the Maracaña Stadium in Rio De Janeiro.

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz was the flag bearer for the 2012 London Olympics. So she was ruled out. Track athlete Marestella Torres-Sunang had to leave and it was decided that the choice would come down to who was present during the POC’s briefing prior to the delegation’s departure for Brazil. Besides, it was Torres-Sunang’s third Summer Games. Other athletes were represented by their coaches and that invalidated them as a choice.

That left weightlifter Nestor Colonia, taekwondo jin Kirstie Elaine Alora, and table tennis paddler Ian Lariba.

It took the two POC honchos a few minutes to decide. And the decision was unanimous. Of the three, Lariba was the best possible choice. “We’ve had athletes from weightlifting and taekwondo compete before. Table tennis is something new for all of us."

“Let’s put it this way,” explained Romasanta. “First, this is the first time we will send an athlete who will compete in table tennis. We have always wanted to send an athlete to that particular sport and we couldn’t. Second, Ian didn’t make it right away. She went through the loser’s bracket and foguth her way through. She defeated a very good Indonesian paddler to make it. So you know she is tough and talented. Third, she is a Dean’s Lister in La Salle where she is taking up Financial Management (the correct term is Bachelor of Science in Management of Financial Institutions). Mabigat yan! Hindi basta basta. And fourth, she is a student leader. That is what we want in our athletes — well-rounded, intelligent, and can speak very well in public. Nakita mo naman how she handles herself.”

De La Salle University Tournament Coordinator Joy Lanting shared with us Lariba’s accomplishments, “She’s a member of the DLSU Women’s Table Tennis Team and is team captain. She was UAAP Season 74 Rookie of the Year. Most Valuable Player for UAAP Seasons 75, 77, and 78 and is undefeated during her five year UAAP career." 

“I believe we chose the right person,” summed Cojuangco. “She has impressive credentials."

When informed of her being the choice to carry the Philippine flag, Lariba was at a loss for words. “This is a honor and something I will cherish with me forever. To be an Olympic athlete is already one but to also be the flag-bearer, it’s an even more rare honor."


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POC President Peping Cojuangco is excited about our medal chances in Rio. Click on this link.

Duterte sends-off RP delegation with words of encouragement & increased cash allowances

Photo from Ramon Fernandez

This appears in rappler.com

Duterte sends-off RP delegation with words of encouragement & increased cash allowances

by rick olivares 

What a send-off!

The Philippine delegation to the Rio Olympics not only received words of encouragement from new President Rodrigo Duterte but also increased allowances that drew cheers from the coaches and athletes alike.

According to the Philippine Sports Commission’s Ramon Fernandez who was present for the send-off, President Duterte, who received the coaches and athletes at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace, promised that "he will find a way to increase the budget of the Philippine Sports Commission to support their country-wide grassroots programs that will identify talents to improve out standing in international competition."

Duterte, wearing the official jacket of the Philippine delegation, also exhorted the Filipino athletes "to do their best in their respective events and to represent the country with pride.” He also told them "not be afraid of the Zika virus.” Then he surprised the entire delegation by increasing the $1,000 allowance per athlete to $3,000 (or PhP 140, 184.00). Olympic coaches also received an increase from $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 allowance for the Summer Games (PhP 233, 640.00). The move had the coaches and athletes vociferously applauding the President’s gesture of support.

Said women’s table tennis representative Ian Lariba, “I am very thankful and privileged to be at the send-off with the Honorable president. It was an inspiration to hear the president share his experiences about sports as well as his passion for it. What stuck in my mind was what he said about not everyone being given this honor and we should make the most out of this opportunity. He also said that when we get there, to give it everything we have. As for the allowance increase, that was a huge morale booster for me and all of us. His words were really comforting.”

PSC Commissioner Fernandez also said that according to Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco Jr., “this is the first time a president sent-off a Philippine delegation. Maybe there was before but certainly not during the previous administration."

The members of the Philippine delegation to Brazil included Kirstie Alora (women’s taekwondo), Nestor Colonia (men’s weightlifting), Eric Cray (men’s 400-meter hurdles), Hidilyn Diaz (women’s weightlifting), Rogen Ladon (men's boxing), Ian Lariba (women's table tennis), Charly Suarez (men's boxing), Mary Joy Tabal (women's marathon), Miguel Tabuena (men’s golf), Marestella Torres-Sunang (women’s long jump). 

The 2016 Rio Summer Olympics opens on Friday, August 5, with the traditional parade of athletes at the Maracaña Stadium  in Rio De Janeiro and will close with a lavish ceremony in the evening of Sunday, August 21st at the same venue. 

The Value of Tim Duncan

The Value of Tim Duncan

by rick olivares

The most obvious barometer for Tim Duncan’s value is in the number of championships he won and all the statistical milestones he achieved in his 19-year NBA career. That alone sets him up as one of the all-time greats to play in the NBA and perhaps the rest of the world.

Yet there is another way to measure the value of Tim Duncan.

It is oft described about him and maybe we should emphasize it — he was a character guy.

The Association’s 69-year history, there have been many larger than life personalities, some who went on to be legends, some villains or anti-heroes, and some who straddle that thin line between star and the overrated depending if they win a championship or not. 

There was a time when the Los Angeles Lakers and then the Phoenix Suns were the preferred destination by many a basketball player. That meant playing in a great place for a very good organization that took care of their players. And hey, the golf was good.

San Antonio inherited that mantle. Play for a coaching great whose system saw many players thrive in its equal opportunity offense. The team was led by a trio of heady and classy veterans. Year in and out they were always in the playoffs and competed for a NBA title. 

How many players in their twilight years won a championship while playing a reserve role for the Spurs — Jerome Kersey, Steve Smith, Kevin Willis, Brent Barry, Nazr Mohammed, Glenn Robinson, and Michael Finley to name a few. Heck, even Australian great Andrew Gaze tasted championship champagne with this group. 

Want a championship ring? Come play for the Spurs.

That’s why LaMarcus Aldridge left Portland. 

While another all-time great in David Robinson provided strength of character as someone who didn’t rock the boat, Duncan’s arrival shifted the Spurs’ gear into overdrive. There was never “give me the ball because I’m the Man!” They adopted the Euro-style of basketball that swung in the face of the swagger and style that the Fab Five of Michigan espoused and that Slam later celebrated in its pages. Five championships later… you get the drift.

Critics decried San Antonio’s boring style of play. In truth, it was simple basketball devoid of the isolation and death defying slam dunks that made Sportscenter. It was simple, fundamental basketball. Pass. Pass some more. Find the open man. Get back on defense. Repeat the cycle.

The Spurs adopted the persona of both Duncan and Popovich — staid, respectable, with a tinge of deadpan humor. Check out the Spurs’ attempts at humour on YouTube. You’ll end up eating those words about the lack of a sense of humour.

Because of Duncan, character became important. Teams would say of certain players, “he’s the ‘glue guy.’" With the Spurs, everyone was a glue guy. And Timmy was the ultimate glue guy. Ever hear about anyone leaving the team disgruntled? About being sat down by their coach who was saving them for the long play-off run? Teams will pay a million bucks to find the right guys for their team. 

Franchise players — there are a few of them. But guys who brought greater value to their team because of character — Tim Duncan tops the list. 

The PBA’s first woman referee Janine Nicandro: From the volleyball court to the basketball hardcourt.

This appears on philstar.com

The PBA’s first woman referee Janine Nicandro: From the volleyball court to the basketball hardcourt.

by rick olivares

When the opening match of the Governors’ Cup — between the Meralco Bolts and the Phoenix Petroleum Masters — tipped off last Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, aside from the new imports seeing action in the league, there was a noticeable difference.

A pony-tailed lady in the black and white stripes of a basketball referee strode onto the floor with her male counterparts. Janine Nicandro made Philippine Basketball Association history by becoming the first female to officiate a match in the league’s 41-year history.

For a neophyte official, she was decisive with her calls. Maybe she was nervous but she didn’t show it. In fact, she was cool. Calm even when she slapped the first technical foul of the game and the conference on Phoenix’s Mark Borboran after he uttered profane language following a call he disagreed with.

While there were some spotty moments, Nicandro conducted herself in a very professional manner and had more or less a successful debut as a PBA referee as she received a lot of positive comments from the league and the public.

It’s kind of funny because being on a basketball court was the farthest from Janine’s mind or even ambitions.

Growing up in Pagsanjan, Laguna, Nicandro had dreams of glory on the volleyball court and eventually, a successful business. She didn’t even watch basketball. “Shakey’s V-League yung pinapanood ko,” she admits. Inspired by the likes of Ateneo’s Fille Cainglet and Dzi Gervacio, Janine played for her elementary and high school volleyball teams in Laguna. When she was in college, she tried out for both the women’s volleyball and basketball teams of the Laguna State Polytechnic University.

However, she received the shock of her life when she was accepted in basketball team… where she was to play center for the LSPU Lakers! “Parang hindi ako makapaniwala. Siguro na-impress ko yung coaches kahit paano. And, yes, Lakers kami,” she laughs at her school team’s nickname. And true enough, her LSPU Lakers won a championship in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association. 

Nicandro graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship. “Plano ko sana kumuha ng konting corporate experience tapos magtayo ng negosyo,” she related. That bit of experience came when she found herself working in a LPG company. Bored, she found her way to a most unlikely destination in the PBA upon the prodding of a friend from Laguna.

She entered the referee’s program under former Commissioner Chito Salud who would oft try to discourage the female referee. “Parang reverse psychology yun,” explained Nicandro. “Sabi niya sa amin, ‘Kaya niyo ba to? Marami nagmumura dito. Baka isang mura lang umiyak na kayo.’ Pero lalo akong naging desidido.”

She first learned the ropes in the PBA Developmental League before getting the call-up to the PBA by current Commissioner Chito Narvasa. "Nung nalaman ko napili ako sa PBA nagulat ako,” she recalls of her promotion. "Umaasa tayo pero ayaw natin mag-assume. Tingin ko kulang pa. Tuwang-tuwa yung magulang ko lalo na same day yun sa birthday ng nanay ko. So magandang birthday gift yun para sa kanya.”

Being a newbie to the game, she constantly watches, reads, and studies the game. “Iba yung laro kapag tinitignan mo sa officials’ view kesyo sa fan. Kailangan muna palitan mo yung mindset mo. Kapag nag-adjust ka na sa pag-iisip mo mas kalmado ka."

When she was drawn for the Meralco-Phoenix match, Nicandro was surprised to hear her name called out. "Ayaw pumasok sa utak ko nabunot ako. Unexpected talaga. Parang ang bilis ng pangyayari. Nung nasa dugout kami, maluha luha ako. Bago kami lumabas papunta sa court, sabi ng mga kasama ko, ‘Huwag ka masyadong kakabahan. Yung kaba part na ng game yunpero huwag ka magpapadala kasi maaapekto yung pagtawag mo.’"

With her first officiated match out of the way, Janine looks forward to her next assignment. “Gusto ko pa matuto at mag-improve pa. Mahirap kasi kung yung pito mali. Hindi tayo perfect pero hindi excuse yun. Dapat talaga mag-improve at hindi ma-satisfy sa anong tama na nagawa. Kailangan walang mali."

Allen Durham tows Meralco to its second straight win in the PBA Governors' Cup

The Meralco Bolts won their second straight match in the PBA Governors' Cup, 100-96, over the Alaska Aces last Sunday, July 17. The Bolts looked to coast to the win but Alaska strung up several straight three-pointers to make a game of it. However, at the end, Meralco, hung tough.

What I noticed even during their conference opener versus Phoenix, they didn't panic anymore. There was this confident look they'd get things done.

While Calvin Abueva didn't suit up for Alaska and obviously, that told on their cause, it was still a big win for Meralco in this short conference.

Allen Durham was once more a force to be reckoned with -- 36 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 1 blocked shot against 3 turnovers.

Lest you think that it was an all Durham show, Chris Newsome, Jared Dillinger, and Reynel Hugnatan all came up big for Meralco.

Rise: The Extraordinary Story of National University's Cheerdance Championships.

After an eight month delay -- revisions here and there and printing concerns -- the book is out! RISE: The Extraordinary Story of National University's Cheerdance Championships is out. I got my copies of this book last night and it feels great to have my hands on this book. I'm proud of this having followed the NU CDC team for a while now. This book traces their humble beginnings to their eventual rise to a top Pep Squad, one that people eagerly look out for their performances. Good to see them get their due. They deserve it.

This joins my other books that are down below.

The Meralco Bolts' Allen Durham & Mohammad Jamshidi - Throwback and Forward

Allen Durham and Mohammad Jamshidi

This appears in the Monday, July 18, 2016 edition of the Business Mirror.

Throwback and Forward

by rick olivares

Following the Meralco Bolts’ scintillating 108-103 win over the Phoenix Petroleum Masters in the opening match of the 2016 Governors’ Cup, the former’s head coach, Norman Black, gushed over import Allen Durham. “He’s a throwback,” described Black of his American reinforcement. “He reminds me of Billy Ray Bates, Bobby Ray Parks, and David Thirdkill.”

Black was referring to an American player who put up monster numbers. Something he’d be familiar with having played in the PBA and put up some monster numbers himself — 40.2 points and 18.9 rebounds in 10 years!

Durham, who is on his second tour of duty in the PBA (he previously played for Barako Bull), compiled an awesome stat line of 32 points, 22 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block shot versus 6 turnovers in a little over 44 minutes. More than the stats, Black pointed out to his excellent attitude and how Durham will anchor Meralco’s offense and defense. 

Could Durham put up those same numbers that Bates, Parks, Thirdkill, and Black did? 

Possibly.

However, the league, the PBA, has changed.

Time was we got some of the best American players plying their trade outside continental USA. Nowadays, many of them play in Europe, West Asia, and China. We occasionally get some top caliber Americans but the field has diluted. Rain or Shine won the Commissioner’s Cup without a high scoring import; a first. Furthermore, the modern Filipino player is more skilled, athletic, not to mention taller. The Fil-Am invasion of the 1990s has certainly raised the level of the game of the players while the coaching chops has certainly gotten better.

And for the second straight Governors’ Cup, we’re seeing a most welcome Asian flavor to the conference.*

In that same Meralco-Phoenix match, other coaches noted the Bolts' pick-up of Mohammad Jamshidi as its second import albeit an Asian one. Manila audiences got another look at the swingman who first suited up for Iran in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships held in Manila. During Gilas Pilipinas’ recent tune-up match against Iran prior to the before the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Iran sans its veterans, fielded a younger squad. Jamshidi without Samad Nikkhah Bahrami, started and was the subject of tough defense by the Filipinos.

In Jamshidi’s four years with Iran, he’s brought home four medals, Fiba gold in the 2012 Asian Cup and 2013 FIBA Asia Championships, silver in the 2014 Incheon Asian games and bronze during the 2015 Chansha FIBA Asia Championships. During Iran’s recent campaign in the FIBA OQT in Turn, Italy, Jamshidi was third in the team in scoring with 11.0 points and was tops in assists with 3.5 per match. Yet he turned over the ball 5.5 times during Iran’s two matches as they bowed out in the group stage.

“In Asia, we’re tall enough, big enough that we can dominate,” shared the Iranian. “Against the Europeans who are not only taller, strong, and faster, it is tougher for us and Asians. I think experience against playing them will help but what we hope is for our taller players to match them in speed and strength. Hopefully, the younger generation of Iranian players will realize that."

The 24-year old Iranian national flew in from Tehran, Iran last Thursday on board an Etihad flight but arrived with nothing but his hand-carry luggage. Apparently, the airline lost his luggage. As of Saturday afternoon, the luggage had yet to arrive. During the match versus Phoenix, Jamshidi used Chris Newsome’s kicks. He tallied nine points, one rebound, and three assists in 14 minutes of play. He had two nifty assists to Durham and one great kick out to an open Jimmy Alapag for a triple. However, at one point, he didn’t have his legs anymore as he had not slept in 30 hours.

“When I asked him what position he’d play,” shared Bolts point guard Anjo Caram, the six-foot-four Jamshidi shrugged. 

“Anything the coach tells me to play.” he answered. In truth, Janshidi can play the one to three spots. He’s a great pick up, marveled Alaska Aces coach Alex Compton. “He gives Meralco flexibility in three positions. But his best asset is his great court vision.”

“When I was approached by Boss Paolo (Trillo, Meralco team manager) to play for the Bolts, I thought it was an honour. It is nice to be recognized by some of our toughest rivals here in Asia but it is also good to play in front of such passionate fans. I didn’t know anything about Philippine basketball except for the national team and players like Jimmy (Alapag) who I played against. I did a little research and saw that it’s a good team. I sure hope I can help this team win a championship.”

“This is my third time in Manila and each time, I’ve seen the big audiences so it’s a good change to have some people in the crowd cheering for my team,” reflected Jamshidi. This stint is his first outside Iran and the experience is something he hopes to cherish. “It is an exciting time for me. It helps me fulfill my basketball goals. I never thought I’d play in the PBA. I never think I will play in the NBA. But now I have this chance in the PBA so who knows what can happen?”

“Right now, my job is to help Meralco."

• NOTE: I recall that the use of Asian imports was first proposed by former Commissioner Noli Eala during his term. However, it didn’t push through until former PBA President Patrick Gregorio pushed for it during the league’s 40th season. And it’s a great thing that this time, it happened.

The last word on the FIBA OQT: A style of play

This appears on philstar.com

The last word on the FIBA OQT: A style of play

by rick olivares

It has been one week since the Philippines was eliminated from qualification from the 2016 Rio Olympics and the event (the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) is still the talk of many sports fans. While many marvel at the first hand look at some of the top basketball sides in the world, there is still lament about our national team not advancing beyond the group stage.

One of the oft mentioned comments by local basketball fans was the difference in style of play. The Filipinos played a lot of one-on-one ball and were at times showboating their dribbling skills. 

In contrast, the Europeans played team ball.

During a conversation with Senegal’s Spanish coach Porfirio Fisac who coached some pretty big names like Pau and Marc Gasol, Jose Calderon, Rudy Fernandez, Juan Carlos Navarro in Spain’s Junior and Youth National teams, the bearded tactician said, “The most beautiful thing about basketball is the pass. If you know how to pass, it leads to a basket. If you know how to pass, you involve everyone. If you involve everyone, everyone will do their best to win. That is the philosophy that I know. You look at Gasol, Calderon, Navarro, and what can you say about them outside them being stars — they can pass the ball.”

Here’s the basic way of looking at that pass and team play, the total number of assists for the tournament.

The NBA changed basketball around the world yet in turn, Europe has changed the NBA.

The first European to go directly to the NBA without playing college in the United States was Bulgaria’s Georgi Glouchkov who was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1985. That was the same year that the Dallas Mavericks brought in Germany’s Detleft Schrempf who played college ball for the Washington Huskies from 1981-85. A few years later, Dutch center Rik Smits, who played for Marist, was drafted by the Indiana Pacers, the team who he spent his entire professional career from 1988-2000. And then there was Golden State’s Lithuanian swingman Sarunas Marciulionis who went to the Bay Area in 1989.

While Schrempf, Smits, and Marciulionis enjoyed solid careers in the NBA, the European basketball was seen as soft (read: played no defense) and only shot treys. Glouchkov lasted only one season. However, it was more of a culture shock and an assimilation problem that the Bulgarian experienced as opposed to his game on the court.

When the 1992 Dream Team formally brought NBA basketball to a global stage with their undefeated run to an Olympic gold medal, that opened the floodgates from the players from the former Republic of Yugoslavia — Drazen Petrovic, Toni Kukoc, Dino Radja, Vlade Divac, and Zarko Paspalj.

And there too were a few youngsters who watched closely, intently, and hoped to make a difference in the game one day.

There was Argentina’s Manu Ginobili who wore out his video tapes of Michael Jordan’s “Come Fly With Me”. There was France’s Tony Parker who also used those trips to Chicago where his father was from to pick out his sport. And there was Pau Gasol, a Barcelona native who had a front row seat to the Dream Team. And Dirk Nowitzki who was 14-years old when Michael Jordan and company played Schrempf, Dallas Mavericks center Uwe Blab, and forward Henning Harnisch.

Parker popularized the Tear Drop that is a staple for almost every team and guard today.

Former Phoenix head coach Mike D’Antoni ran a European-style offense with his Suns. He popularized the use of position-less players, stretch players, and the 1-3-1 zone press; a staple of the champion Italian teams he played for during his career.

The San Antonio Spurs have made a name for themselves with their simple and beautiful game that is heavily European influenced. No wonder people decry them as boring because it lacks the me-first, isolation game with crowd-pleasing dunks that Filipinos have also embraced.

In an article written by Seth Wickersham in ESPN the Magazine, he wrote of Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich — who during the 2013 season have nine foreign players in his roster — "when Pop looks at American talent he sees many players who 'have been coddled since eighth, ninth, 10th grade by various factions or groups of people. But the foreign kids don't live with that. So they don't feel entitled.’”

And the American-style of basketball is so prevalent in its Philippine counterpart. I know of coaches who disallow their bigs to put the ball on the floor. They are supposed to rebound, catch and shoot, and do whatever a traditional big man does. As a result, they become one-dimensional players. This was never more evident in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament that left many a person admiring the simple style of game the Euro squads (even Senegal played a more European-style game than they have done in the past) played as opposed to the Philippine game that saw a lot of one-on-one play. Canada which plays a similar game to the Americans were also guilty of this although they were more efficient than the Philippines.

The Philippine national team was beaten by two squads — France and New Zealand — with their bigs playing in the perimeter, posting up when need be to pass first and then take a shot. And at times launch treys. 

The French centers racked up six assists, the Kiwis had five. From the outside, NZ center Isaac Fotu drilled three triples (Les Bleus’ men in the middle missed their two three-point attempts). As the tournament went on, their bigs increasingly had an impact on the outcome — playing in and out.

Because of their bigs’ ability to shoot, this allowed them to go outside where they took their Filipino counterparts out and allowed their ‘smaller’ players like the 6’2” Tony Parker and the pair of Mickael Gelabale and Nando De Colo who both stand 6’4’ to post up.

There was a simplicity and economy of movement that was efficient and beautiful to watch.

The losses were painful especially since it was on our home court. However, as the saying goes, there is much to learn in defeat more than victory. Now, the question is, will we learn from this?

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In the aftermath of our FIBA OQT exit, I heard all sorts of comments from basketball observers, fans, and even people related to the program. The criticism is stinging. 

What? We place second in FIBA Asia and make the World Cup for the first time in ages and we’re supposed to be world beaters? We beat Korea on our home floor and we’re supposed to replicate that ambush here? It could happen but it also could. As I previously wrote, home court advantage doesn’t mean we will win. Ask Brazil in the last World Cup, France in the last Euro finals, or even the Golden State Warriors.

In case you didn’t notice, Korea beat us in the 2014 Asian Games - in another heartbreaker of a finish -- after that 2013 FIBA Asia. 

I think when we can beat China, Iran, Korea, and our Asian foes REGULARLY and CONSISTENTLY and become FIBA Asia champions, only then can we take the game to another level. One win over Iran, China, or Korea doesn’t mean we’ve gotten over the hump. Greece, Spain, and France also had to go through that route.

I’ll say this though, the manner of how we play basketball or how we demand success in general reflects our culture as a people. It is like the we drive — impatient, always looking for short cuts, trying to stand out with flashy cars in traffic-choked streets where you can’t really drive fast unless it’s in the wee hours of the morning. 

The sad thing about the FIBA OQT is it’s a sobering reality check.

Recent Manila FIBA visitor Maurice NDour signed by New York Knicks

This appears on philstar.com

Recent Manila FIBA visitor Maurice NDour signed by New York Knicks

by rick olivares

Senegal forward Maurice NDour wowed Manila crowds during the five-day 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila has been signed to a two-year contract by the New York Knicks last Wednesday, July 13.

In his Instagram account, the 24-year old Senegal native said, “Thanks Real Madrid for the opportunity and to the fans for all the support, it was a pleasure playing for you guys. God has blessed me with an opportunity and I will be taking my talents to the New York Knicks. I am very grateful to put on the blue and orange #2 jersey. A new chapter is about to be written. Knicks fans, here I come.”

NDour impressed crowds and scouts with his hustle, athleticism, and strong play around the paint as he posted stats of 15.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. His putback dunk during Senegal’s match versus Turkey where he came all the way from the outside to slam a teammate’s miss is one of the tournament highlights.

Although Senegal, like host country, the Philippines, did not advance to the knockout rounds, they won the adulation of the crowd. And NDour was one reason. Said NDour the day before he left Manila on July 11 for a flight bound for New York City, he expressed excitement about pursuing his NBA Dream. “I could go to the D-League but the ultimate goal is the NBA.”

NDour suited up for the Knicks in last season’s summer league but got injured along the way. He has one year guaranteed in his two-year contract where he joins a team that has Latvian forward-center Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle O’Quinn playing the four-spot. He joins former Real Madrid teammate Willy Hernangomez, the Knicks’ second round Draft selection (35th overall) on this New York line-up. That brings to four the total number of Spanish league veterans. That includes Porzingis who suited up for Sevilla from 2011-15 and Slovenian forward Sasha Vujacic who played for the basque club Laboral Kutxa Baskonia in 2014.

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My article was quoted by SB Nation! Here is the link to my article about Maurice NDour! 

Jonathan Uyloan’s first day with the Meralco Bolts

This appears in philstar.com

Jonathan Uyloan’s first day with the Meralco Bolts

by rick olivares

Life’s a funny thing.

That’s a familiar line from the Alanis Morissette classic, “Ironic”. Maybe for six-year Philippine Basketball Association veteran Jonathan Uyloan, he wasn’t thinking of that alternative music classic, but he never thought he’d find his way with the Meralco Bolts.

The six-foot tall guard is one of the great stories coming out of the 2009 PBA Draft. Except that he was never drafted by any club although he was picked up by Rain or Shine that same year as a utility guard. Uyloan thought he had found a home with the Elasto Painters. There were PBA conferences where he played a lot and there were days when he didn’t. In fact, he got even more playing time that heralded TY Tang who burned a hole at the end of the bench. “You kind of hope that you’ve done something to prove yourself and you aren’t going to get cut or traded,” shared the Fil-Am combo guard. “Then you see teammates who are here today and gone tomorrow and you realize that you could go the same route.”

After five years with RoS, Uyloan was shipped to GlobalPort where playing time became even harder to find. And now he finds himself with the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday, July 13, after being traded for swingman Ronjay Buenafe. “Am just happy to have a job,” he confides. 

There’s a logjam at the point guard position. There’s Jimmy Alapag, who will go down as one of the best ever to lace up a pair of sneakers in the PBA; Baser Amer who has struggled in his rookie season; Anjo Caram who people didn’t rate highly but has found a place with the Bolts; and the comebacking Simon Atkins who hopes to be lined up for active duty.

“Jonathan can also play the two,” clarified team manager Paolo Trillo. “We like his steadiness and feistiness.”

“Meralco is a team on the rise,” pointed out Uyloan. “There’s excitement brewing on this team. They did well in the last (Commissioner’s Cup) conference and were a minute away from making the finals. And I heard they haven’t lost a pre-season game. I hope I can contribute.”

Uyloan understands it will be difficult given the two-import conference. Six-foot-four Iranian swingman Mohammad Jamshidi is arriving on Thursday after getting his paperwork squared away in his native country (according to Trillo, Iranian national players are supposed to secure their release papers in Iran before playing abroad). “I’ve been in this league long enough to know the drill — work hard every day and keep your head high.”

He can also take heart from a new teammate, Bryan Faundo, who like him, went undrafted in 2009. He’s bounced around six PBA clubs including one in the Asean Basketball League until he arrived in Meralco in 2015. Under head coach Norman Black, Faundo has found regular playing time and has been one of the team’s workhorses. 

“Isn't it ironic that for some undrafted players to find a home? Hopefully for me, I can help this team."

Thundering on: The Flying V Davao City Thunders are looking to compete

This appears in the Tuesday, July 12, 2016 edition of the Business Mirror.

Thundering on: The Flying V Davao City Thunders are looking to compete

by rick olivares

In the wake of the news that television giant ABS-CBN pulled out of its coverage of the new Country-Wide Basketball League, leaving the league in a quandary as it is set to tip-off in a month’s time, the Flying V Davao City Thunders, one of the “league’s” pioneering clubs met this Monday morning, July 11, to map out its future.

"The club for now,” according to team manager Joey Guillermo, "isn’t disbanding just yet. Team ownership is contemplating the possibility of continuing the team and playing in another league should the CWBL not push through. Should nothing happen over the next few weeks, the players will still be compensated for their services."

Thunders point guard Froilan Baguion expressed satisfaction at the efforts by team management to keep the team and to help the players. “Very professional sila,” said the veteran playmaker who after a sterling career with National University in the UAAP made an even bigger name for himself playing in the Asean Basketball League where he was a Most Valuable Player awardee. “Kung matutuloy lahat to, isusukli namin sila ng magandang laro at sana championship."

According to the some insiders of the CWBL, the league is looking at the possibility of continuing the league with or without another television carrier. While that is still up in the air, team management of the Thunders team is seeking other competitions local or regional.

Thus far, the Flying V team has in its lineup Eric Salamat, Luis Sinco, Samuel Marata, Mikey Cabahug, Gwyne Capacio, Junjun Cabatu, Brian Ilad, Mark Andaya, Leo Avenido, Richard Albo, JR Ongteco, Carlo Sharma, and Baguion to name a few.

Thunders head coach Aric Del Rosario (who is assisted by son, Lester, Chris Bautista, Bert Dela Rosa, and Bennett Palad) was likewise happy with the developments. “Good concept yung regional basketball,” said the multi-titled coach who made a name for himself for leading the University of Santo Tomas and the Pampanga Dragons to a bunch of championships. “Sana magustuhan ng management yung mga plano natin kung saan tayo puwede sumali."

“We will find out in the next few days what’s going to happen,” concluded Guillermo. “The excitement remains."

Aric Del Rosario addresses the Flying V Davao City Thunders during a team meeting this Monday, July 11.